Fantasy

The importance of storytelling is beautifully emphasized in this 2010 Newbery Honor title, written and illustrated by Grace Lin, with the audiobook version narrated by actress Janet Song. Minli is the daughter of poor farmers who live in the barren land shadowed by Fruitless Mountain. She is inspired by the mystical folktales of her father, and the sadness of her mother, to try to improve their fortune by traveling to meet the Old Man of the Moon, a character in her father's stories. On the way she meets a talking fish and a dragon who can't fly, as well as other animals and people, both good and evil, who help her realize what good fortune really means. Highly recommended, either in print format (enjoy Lin's lovely illustrations!) or as an audiobook, for ages 8-12. Watch a book trailer and an interview with the author, and discover other books written and illustrated by Lin, such as Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!, a 2011 Geisel Honor Book, and picture books including Dim Sum for Everyone! and Fortune Cookie Fortunes.

The first thing I want to tell you about Rubber, directed and written by Quentin Dupieux, is that I really wanted to hate this film. I mean it, I really wanted to hate the film; but I couldn't. Read more »

Who says suburban living has to be dull and unimaginative? Welcome Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia, which takes traditional suburban ideal living and turns it on it's head. This book is bursting with imagination as it tells 15 short, illustrated short stories filled with wonder, loss, peace, hope and redemption. Not to make it sound all like butterflies and flowers, there is a slight bizarre and surreal edge to these tales that will leave the reader both wondering and and inspired. Read more »

Are you a fan of Erin Hunter's Warriors Series or the swashbuckling adventures of Redwall Abbey? If so, you owe it to yourself to check out Watership Down by Richard Adams, one of the greatest animal fantasy novels of all time.

A band of brave rabbits sets out from their doomed warren on an epic journey across a dangerous land. Along the way, they must face weasels, birds of prey, cats, men, and hostile bands of other rabbits. Filled with nail-biting escapes, brave heroes and terrifying villains, Watership Down will keep you up way past your bedtime. It's one of those rare, "stand alone" fantasy novels, but the characters searching for a new home in this story will stay with you for years to come. Recommended for grades 5 and up.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first put Scott Pilgrim vs. the Worldin my DVD player. It was not even close to what I got. For those who are not familiar with the plot Scott Pilgrim [Michael Cera], the bass player in a small band, has fallen for the new "cool girl" in town, Ramona Flowers [Mary Elizabeth Winstead]. In order to date her he must first defeat her seven "evil exes". Read more »

Doesn't everyone wish they could fly? Well, if that wish were to come true, it might cause a lot more problems than you think! Meet Piper McCloud, born to loving but simple parents who strongly believe in doing things the way they've always been done. When Piper accidentally reveals her talent, her parents are horrified that others might find out. Soon their worst fears are realized, and to protect her and themselves, they agree to have her go with Dr. Leticia Hellion to an institute that deals with children with special talents.